Coach’s outlook: “While we lost five senior starters from last year, we have been impressed with the way the younger players have stepped up and hit. I’ve asked the girls to give 110 percent this year, and they’ve delivered every day at practice. We’ve added speed to the lineup, and the younger players have stepped up their game at the plate.”

Crest

Head coach: Greg Earl

2013 record: 16-5, 10-2 Big South; lost 3-2 at Enka in second round of 3A playoffs

Coach’s outlook: “We’re going to be a young team looking to improve every game. I expect them to step up and carry on the tradition that the former players have built at Crest. We’re excited about going into the new conference because we feel like it’s going to be a very competitive conference.”

Kings Mountain

Head coach: Craig Short

2013 record: 12-8, 7-4 Big South; lost 6-4 to Patton in first round of 3A playoffs

Coach’s outlook: “We have many questions as we enter this season, as we have a few holes to fill and a very young team. Several of the returning players have been asked to play other positions, which they have done. We are excited about the young players we have added to our team. They will have to step up and contribute early and often, and the veteran players will need to produce if we are going to be successful in this very tough conference.”

Coach’s outlook: “Like Jim Taylor would say, we are a very young, green team this year. We have two freshman pitchers and a freshman catcher. We know we have our work cut out for us to be competitive in one of the best conferences in our region. Every game should be a good game.”